Dance of "Maiko" in Kyoto, Japan

[@luvJesusInHeavn]

The song is a traditional ballad called "Gion Kouta". It describes the beauty of the four seasons in the Kyoto district Gion as well as its geisha, which Gion is famous for. As for the gestures of the dance, she's "acting out" the words of the song; at 0:49 when she folds her arms and holds out one sleeve, at that point the lyrics say, "My secret love is for your long-sleeved kimono." At 1:10 she turns around to display her elaborate obi while the woman sings, "Oh pretty darari obi." (^w^)

[@Max_Le_Groom]

*Beautiful*

[@thaqueenofchaos1]

thank you. I have seen this dance a few times and always wondered what it meant.

[@edienandy]

patricia heerdt some of the lyrics are sooo beautiful. There’s a line that is translated to “My heart burns like Daimonji.” And i just die a little bit every time I hear it. Edit: Daimonji a festival held every year in Kyoto in August. Giant kanji are burned on the sides of the mountains to act as guides to help the spirits of visiting dead ancestors back to where they came from. The pose she does at 1:58 looks a lot like 大, which is one of the Kanji they burn on the side of one of the mountains. images.app.goo.gl/uyXrBcRdcu7kr4EM9

[@nhungtran-uo2ud]

Thank you very much for explanations

[@homebrandrules]

@Daniella13 R. if u think those people are smart, just think how smart the people who made them must be!

[@gillidragon]

Maiko-san has both lips painted. She's second year going into her third. The kanzashi on her left side is of medium length which means she's at least second year and her collar is almost fully white. If she were a first year, her collar would be mostly red and the kanzashi would go down past her chin.

[@pepsiprita5746]

Epic

[@Dr.Pepper001]

Are you sure that's not a guy?

[@truehappiness4U]

@@Dr.Pepper001 if you're looking for a guy cross dressed as a lady, go to Thailand. In Japan it is hard to find them.

[@Om-iq1oh]

@@truehappiness4U Kabuki is still a thing in Japan though

[@d.killustra1779]

Thank you !!! 💜💙

[@Randomweirdogirl]

She has a remarkable self control, as someone who learn dancing before, I know it is harder to dance with small movements right on beat than larger movements, and also to dance with these clothes, you must practice a lot to not fall down, great skills

[@elanurishunter]

And the best knees? Mine could never

[@Frank-mm2yp]

@@elanurishunter It also pays to be young. Maikos are usually between ages 16-20. This was a first year Maiko since she was still wearing the dangling hair ornament on the left side of her face.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

@Kata Nina OKINI!

[@carinamoses2704]

Yes, and the sensuality and precision of the poses has a magical quality - brava!

[@bellewether4534]

Agreed. I did ballet for a couple of decades and one of my biggest challenges was this kind of muscle control for static and slow movement. Staying in a bent position like that while maintaining perfect posture will literally make your legs shake uncontrollably unless you are very, very skilled.

[@jenniexbunnies4109]

People stop calling it boring and ect. It's a Japanese culture respect the Japanese culture

[@jgr_lilli_]

Ikr some people are so disrespectful!

[@oliviav.9836]

To be fair, the first time my mother took me to one of these I nearly fell asleep. At least now I know how to respect my culture.

[@msjanegrey]

nobody is forced to like it. to my eyes and ears belly dancing is an absolut horror and that has nothing to do with disrespect. different people, different tastes.

[@Flylicious84]

It's not boring. It's mesmerizing!

[@stephaniemays8603]

I wanna be a maiko! They have so much gracefulness and beauty! I also get an excuse to wear a kimono every day!

[@evasmiljanic3529]

Honestly it seems like an understated dance but it's difficult. She's in a half-crouch for 4 minutes, the amount of length strength necessary is unreal

[@Sunshine96818]

Her kimono is beautiful!

[@lubystkaolamonola529]

That would be the only thing. The person is something else. Music, song and lyrics are just boring.

[@kristapettibone3981]

Yes art in to it so great 😀

[@penism]

@@lubystkaolamonola529 that's disrespectful to them, they work hard to play those instruments, and dances, it's their culture and I think it's quite graceful, don't disrespect another's culture unless you are of high respect, which you are not, it's like saying something bad about your culture, how would you feel!

[@lubystkaolamonola529]

@@penism Just because I have negative opinion about the particular performance does not mean lack of respect. Healthy criticism is not equal to contempt. Lack of honesty would be more harmful. Besides, we do not need to like the same thing. You enjoy it , GOOD. I do not like it ALSO GOOD.

[@bigppenergy1685]

Lubystka Olamonola dude... that’s disrespectful. The music and dances mean a lot to them. And it takes so much time and money to learn how to do that makeup, play the instruments and the dances. Maybe you should start respecting others.

[@YourNewLover]

I don't uderstand the story behind the dance, but it's really mesmerizing - the music, the kimono - everything.

[@edienandy]

It’s not a story really. Each verse describes the seasons and their associated sights/activities in Kyoto, with the verses going spring, summer, fall, winter. The sights/activities of the seasons tie back to a secret lover or something, they long to see them during the first three verses and then in the winter verse they meet in secret under the same roof and share a glance while pouring sake or something like that.

[@christinagustini]

A story about how a geisha tries to be attractive throughout the seasons

[@serbanescusimona]

The hairstyle is also typical for a maiko. She wears wareshinobu hairstyle, while the geisha usually wear wigs with a more elegant hairstyle, which is called shimada. After the age of 30, if they perform until that age, they give up the white make-up and wear just a simple bun. And I have to admit that their looks, although much more simple, is much stilish and elegant

[@annele43]

At 0:00 or at the very beginning, her reflection off the wall looks like Princess Leia from Star Wars.

[@edgarmorales4751]

Hey

[@smukase]

um, she must have some serious thigh muscle! damn

[@krdiaz8026]

Ooga booga Sis It's not painful if you've trained for years. I workout and can hold a squat for a long time. The muscle gets stronger. It's like that.

[@cassif19]

The clothes and accessories weigh up to 20 kg

[@jn8922]

@@krdiaz8026 I don't think you can compare squatting to looking graceful doing a traditional dance while wearing a very heavy outfit that restricts your leg movement. She can have strong thigh muscles but you comparing it to you squatting is just insulting to what she's doing.

[@krdiaz8026]

J N What she is doing as far as the working muscles are concerned is squatting because she is using her thigh muscles to hold that position. I'm not saying they are the same. Obviously they are not. I was talking about how holding that position for a long time won't hurt since the muscle is strong, which will also happen if you do squats. I'm also not insulting her. You're being overly sensitive. Ok, if you want, let's use the ballet term plie if you want to be more elegant. Even so, thigh muscles can't differentiate between a very inelegant squat and an elegant plie. FYI, if you've seen ballet dancers' thighs, they look like athletes' thighs, which proves my point muscle-wise.

[@梨-i5l]

Also kimono are heavy, heavier than a weighted duvet

[@MsSteelphoenix]

It is a different style than you are used to; it 'sounds bad' for the same reason that opera or black metal sound horrible to a lot of people. It's simply a different paradigm, and often it requires some education into how and why it came into being for it to be truly appreciated. Perhaps have a look into the lyrics of some of the songs, and how they tie into the story of the dance; it may increase your appreciation.

[@vangu2918]

👍 A lack of understanding about what is seen and heard often fuels such negativity.

[@areid0528]

Maiko are supposed to be expressionless it adds alto more beauty to her graceful movements and elegant appearance

[@sweetlemon3932]

I understand that during a dance presentation or similar, they should never lose their stance

[@Kakarara-annnnn]

First Part - Spring Tsuki wa oboro ni Higashiyama, 月はおぼろに東山, The moon sits on Higashiyama, Kasumu yogoto no kagaribi ni, 霞む夜毎のかゞり火に, Through the haze the signal fires can be seen at night, Yume mo izayō benizakura 夢もいざよう紅桜, Dreaming of the crimson cherry blossoms, Shinobu omoi wo furisode ni, しのぶ思いを振袖に, I desire to see your furisode, Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo. 祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。 Gion, I love your darari obi. Second Part - Summer Natsu wa kawara no yusuzumi, 夏は河原の夕涼み, In summer we keep cool at night by the river, Shiroi eriashi bonbori ni, 白い襟足ぼんぼりに, The white of the eriashi like paper lanterns, Kakusu namida no kuchibeni mo, 隠す涙の口紅も, Also hides the tears of our red lipstick, Moete mi wo yaku Daimonji, 燃えて身を焼く大文字, My heart burns like Daimonji, Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo. 祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。 Gion, I love your darari obi. Third Part - Autumn Kamo no kawara no mizuyasete, 加茂(鴨)の河原の水痩せて, The Kamo River’s water grows thin, Musebu seoto ni kane no koe, 咽ぶ瀬音に鐘の声, The sound of the water and a bell are audible, Kareta yanagi ni akikaze ga, 枯れた柳に秋風が, Autumn winds blow through the weeping willow, Fuku ya koyoi mo yo mo sugara, 吹くや今宵も夜もすがら, Tonight my tears will blow away too, Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo. 祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。 Gion, I love your darari obi. Fourth Part - Winter Yuki wa shitoshito marumado ni, 雪はしとしと丸窓に, Snow falls around the round window, Tsumoru ōse no sashimukai, 積もる逢瀬のさしむかい, I enjoy a secret meeting face to face with you, Hikage tsumetaku sayo fukete, 灯影冷たく小夜ふけて, Even by the lantern it is cold as the night goes on, Moyai makura ni kawa chidori, もやい枕に川千鳥 , On my pillow, the plovers by the river, Gion koishi ya darari no obi yo. 祗園恋しやだらりの帶よ。 Gion, I love your darari obi. source:Mylokoville on tumblr

[@Shizuka11432]

😊

[@flufflepuffle]

I saw a performance in what may have been the same place, and the people were so rude. Everyone wants to film, so everyone's phones are out and they're barely watching, and blocking the view of others. They're also constantly having flashes go off, and sometimes even talk. I elected to only take one picture because tbh if I were an artist in such an environment where no one pays attention, I would be very sad. It's a beautiful dance, but I hope that people learn to be more considerate, and only take brief photos or videos. Edit: Not a criticism of this video, but just something to keep in mind for those going to Japan in the future.

[@empressmystique260]

The elegance and the skill it takes to do this is something to appreciate. I am mesmerized by the dance and the music is so beautiful. I have great respect for Geisha and what they do, and all they sacrifice for their art. I love Japanese culture and I want to visit one day.

[@Itxazoa]

She is truly beautiful and graceful. Yes, I could see that there is a story being told by her movements. I hope one day to appreciate the beauty of Japan in person. Thank you for sharing.

[@sukilinares7272]

Both kimono and obi are a work of art, the dancing is fascinating, precise and deep and she is beautiful, but, all together. It is mesmerizing.

[@chrislaid744]

I dont understand what she's expressing thru her dance, but it looks deep

[@mishaander7592]

I think it’s the four seasons and about secret love

[@stephaniecale8188]

I am blown away by the grace and strength of this dancer! She never wavers in her balance and the rigors of changing her vertical position never show on her face. I'm also very impressed that the kimono never trips her up, even with multiple turns that could wrap around her legs and snag her. Well Done!!

[@edgarmorales4751]

Hey

[@robin978]

Everything about this woman is so beautiful! Must've taken a lot of practice to balance while crouching

[@KYNGA100]

I've always admired their strenght. Imagine being able to stand like this with your knees slightly bent during the whole performance... It's amazing !

[@moushimoushi8963]

I love Maiko Koyoshi-san's Hiki here! It's amazing that even as a young Maiko she was already so calculating with her moves ^^ Now she is a fully fledged Geiko, and I would love to see a video of her performing as a Geiko to see how far she's come~

[@CohenTK]

What a silly question did he/she give ! What kind of dancers may smile during their performances? Neither Maiko nor Geiko shouldn't open even faintly their mouth during performing their dance. It strictly prohibited.

[@Omg_imsoawesome]

Aww she is like a butterfly! Love her Kimono and hair, and obviously her dancing!!!!

[@edgarmorales4751]

Hey

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

That kimono is exquisite. It reminds me of snowy mountain peaks where you'll see some dark rock poking through or dark shadows here and there. And then in the foreground maybe autumn scenery with berries and maple leafs.

[@rimaaouadi590]

If i was a king i would love to have this kind of dancers at my palace (: nothing too exciting or loud, just very gorgeous and calm ! She looks gorgeous ! Loved it so much

[@alexandraurs4632]

I share the same opinion as you ,this dance provide harmony ,elegance ,a meaning behind the movements ,a complexity ,and her facial glass emotionless it' s like a portrait letting you to contemplate her beauty.Btw i' m a woman but for me her dance is attractive

[@Oshidorinohina]

@@alexandraurs4632 shes a teenager here

[@nakirloveanime6801]

she looks like a doll beautiful

[@destinynicole704]

Beautiful!! I love her kimono.I hope I can go to Japan soon. They have such a beautiful cultural. And I'm touched by the dance and song. Arigato, for the video.

[@DESPINAVALSAMI]

I watch this video over and over again. I love Koyoshi's elegance and her white kimono and beautiful obi.

[@muffinfleet3147]

Looks like a mad leg workout being partially squatted throughout most of it

[@sunujomon4205]

Then I think you should see a mohiniyattam performance.

[@mikajjie7913]

Her dancing scratches a part of my brain, it is so graceful and satisfying.

[@Oshidorinohina]

This is now retired maiko Koyoshi of Shigemori Okiya. The crest at the bottom of her obi is called a Nakagishi it's a five point ivy leaf and it's one of the many symbols used in Gion Kobu for any wondering. It's a shame that they do not have enough geisha and maiko taking an interest in the singing aspect, and have to play their songs from a CD or tape rather than have live performers.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I can now identify this song instantly, since it's one of the first songs I believe that a maiko/geiko learns.

[@berkant6035]

May you tell us what the name of this song is? Thank you!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@@berkant6035 Oh, I don't know its name, I'm sorry. I think it was something with the name "Gion" in its title, but don't quote me on that, lol. I think I meant my comment as, by audio, I reconize the song and it's familiar. I'm sure the name of it though can be found somehow, given this is a very common song in Kyoto. Actually, someone in the comments already has put the name, "Gion Kouta". Knew it was something with Gion, lol.

[@berkant6035]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley wow, such an old comment but such a fast answer, thank you!! I actually found the name "Gion Kouta" as well, but did not find this comment to let you know lol Thank you anyways!

[@TomorrowwJoe]

i am so enchanted by this dance! she is saying so much in such subtle, graceful movements. and she uses her kimono very cleverly.

[@jenovabathory]

Their dances are always so mesmerizing to watch. I'd love to see a dance in person one day.

[@edgarmorales4751]

Hey

[@LadyCoyKoi]

This is so beautiful and I like how slow, yet expressive her movements are with the song. Story telling dances I love so much. Nothing like the garbage in Tik Tok or other modern crap sites that has nasty movements that are expressionless and have no true meaning. This is one aspect of Japanese culture I like.

[@CohenTK]

This Maiko shows exquisite dancing talent, although she is a Maiko of first year of apprenticeship (it can be seen by the flowered hairpin with pending ornament on the left side front hair and also with only bottom lip rouged.)

[@Mcelo5103]

舞妓さん is second year because she have lipstick on both lips instead of one

[@reycampa8287]

I thought it was second year judging by the collar and the lipstick but I wouldn’t be sure

[@X-Ternal]

To anyone saying she's second year because of the upper lip being painted, that's not necessary. In Pontocho (one of Kyoto's hanamachi) the maiko paint both lips from their first year.

[@frankcoro94]

She's so beautiful , nice video.

[@moushimoushi8963]

Her name is Koyoshi~ She's still practicing today as far as I've heard~ ^^

[@gemgirl223]

Tbh, I was expecting a very slow dance in her heavy outfit and was startled when she turned so fast! 😄 How wonderful would it be to see them in person 😩 although I hope the ones working today stay safe...

[@Sayori_ちゃん]

респект за аву

[@seriocero4563]

Best thing I’ve ever seen, so calming.

[@WarbirdPhoenix]

I just love the colors she's wearing along with her hair decorations.

[@takananoonaka]

日本の踊りはニコニコした表情ではなく手振りや動きでしっとりと感情を描く。これはコモンセンスの上に成り立つハイコンテキストな楽しみ方の世界。欧米人には分からない世界だろう

[@schlangenfruhling9413]

It's so calming to watch her dance

[@bp3567]

I have nothing but great memories of Japan and admiration of the people. This is such a wonderful performance. Japan is so majestic and beautiful I hope to visit again soon.

[@tonynewman777]

The lady is beautiful in presentation dress and herself. The traditional dress is like a beautiful gift a package wrapped in beautiful paper and bow waiting for the fortunate. Respectable.

[@PureAntonio]

She's so beautiful!

[@Ponygal1997]

She is really pretty and so graceful! I want to learn this dance...

[@minuit6305]

That ending was fire. She was on beat and even ended with the last cord.

[@Flylicious84]

It's not boring, it's mesmerezing!!!

[@daniellediaz7546]

Beautiful. Everything. Her ,the dance, the kimono EVERYTHING

[@deanjelbertaustria6174]

She's a work of art!

[@omoleceline3781]

She is petite and elegant,a true beauty

[@dudanunesbleff]

I understand nothing of her dancing, but it is very refined and exquisite

[@MariAnMonSan]

La cultura japonesa es hermosa. japanese culture is beautiful

[@elielis6]

I mean, I didn't ask youtube for this but I'm not complaining. This is beautiful 😭

[@shayekisitu]

Absolutely stunning. I don’t have the words.❤️

[@shayekisitu]

My gosh these Maiko or Geisha are exquisite and beautiful. Truly they are a moving work of art. ❤️👌🏻

[@sarahjozik9509]

Everything about her is flawless.

[@giyutomioka3219]

Japan is very beautiful country... even though it's more close to being like futuristic...but it still respects it's culture at the same time....

[@thaliahwang5228]

Her movements are so intense yet calming

[@mssk8boardp]

This was wonderful. I couldn't look away. Beautiful!

[@carinamoses2704]

Thank you for sharing, this is beautiful in a way that's different from Western classical dance and yet clearly classically lovely in its own way. It's a charming and very elegant educational as well as artistic resource so thank you for posting.

[@hollyhock9638]

They're dancing is so structured I like it

[@starfalx9634]

The entire leg strength put into these dance movements is remarkable. It might as if been holding the breath while controlling and coordinating the body movements to make it so fluid. It is a responsibility to respect by putting up the best dance performance since the it is representing a place.

[@YenTran-hn1gm]

It might looks weird but it's very skilled dancing

[@zinkuro0731]

踊りも、着物も本当に素敵です！ 舞妓さん大好き！

[@jerrymahoney7028]

One of my favorite

[@MaisahElysiumDevi]

Thank you! Its a beautiful and delicate yet exacting art form, I'm entranced!

[@hellohowareyou365]

Everything is soo beautiful

[@vaqiffndiyev805]

日本の文化が大好きです

[@lola.cruz916]

I miss Japan. Used to live in Osaka. I miss being there, wish I could go back

[@Tsunade989898]

soo pretty

[@jizabel66]

Love the dance and the maiko's attire with the striking black against white especially the long obi on the back. Very beautiful 💞

[@tokyotenshi5417]

Wow the beauty is astonishing

[@stefaneko26]

She dances the famous "Gion Kouta" at the Gion Corner. Her hiki is very nice !

[@alexserrano09]

I just love culture's diversities. 💙🙋🏻‍♂️🇦🇷

[@JV-cy6gu]

Me2❤

[@friscoramadhan]

She's a Japanese water nymph. When she's only subtly moving a little extension of her hands, you may see the depiction of a little stream of water which flows in tranquil manner. Yet, when she's moving her arms and her neck, you may see the rigid depiction of the waterfall which runs vigorously. She does dance gracefully. Thank you for sharing this video :)

[@Riri-yi1lw]

What a gentle dance

[@candykobe4831]

Such Poise, Grace, and Beauty....Thank You for Sharing Your Video

[@mariaelenagonzalezortiz9196]

Me encanta toda la cultura japonesa y todo sus trajes típicos de Japón

[@mohammadsagar]

so beautifull, elegant move, perfection, expression, amazing... i have beeing watching it over and over..

[@Aigle20350]

Thank god we had Tang Dynasty for this to exist.

[@moushimoushi8963]

This is Japanese, not Chinese.

[@meooowww3672]

@@moushimoushi8963 Japanese were influenced by Chinese culture 😁 !

[@zeinaayman1823]

This is so beautiful i can die

[@KrystalMLechner]

she's got a natural talent for dance. i can feel it. exquisite!

[@HaileyKful]

The grace and quiet elegance as well as beauty of a geisha is unmatched. They really are living art.

[@BabyWanderer]

Wow, Koyoshi san is a really talented maiko!! OoO Her moves are so elegant and pretty...

[@danicaencina4351]

wow it's so beautiful.. I'm half Japanese I want to go to Japan ❤ I want to try that. Arigato for the video

[@WritingByMoonlight]

I went to see the Miyako Odori last week and absolutely fell in love with this style of dance. It's beautiful

[@ChupeTTe]

This is so surreal... I cant help me self, because i thought the whole time about Metropolis and the dance in this movie who was surreal as shit. I love those Geisha/Maiko/Geiko performances.

[@lannachan252]

Song: Gion Kouta (祇園 小唄)

[@victorinemeurent760]

Yes, it's a shamisen. The song she's dancing to is the famous Gion Kouta in which the singer idolizes the cute young maiko and talks about how sweet it is to inhabit the same world as them, if only briefly.

[@jerrymahoney7028]

She is picture perfect

[@JV-cy6gu]

Amazing❤ I love this song and her dancing is amazing I admire her. She really feels this song. Im Hungarian but this song is very touching for me.

[@mwuahchiloo9092]

Uhh 2020 anyone

[@lynaotaku4550]

I love you japan 🤩🇯🇵🇩🇿

[@rebecacusack9007]

Bravo 👏🏻 ! Su cadencia y delicadez de esta geisha, no hay palabras para expresarlo!

[@luluthecreator44]

gawsh i love they're culture so much, planning on going after covid as an exchange student! wish me luck :)

[@moushimoushi8963]

If you're able to manage it, please look into koen hanare and enchanted time with maiko, these are businesses located in miyagawacho and kamishichiken in Kyoto (two of the five kagai in that city), they are businesses that welcome first time customers and accommodate foreigners with translators in case you're not familiar with the kyo-ben dialect^^

[@chanha-na]

i am also going to a college in japan! i hope best luck for you!

[@gardengeisha]

that is one stunning kimono!!!!

[@ILMN4E]

Demasiado hermosa ♥ She's so beautiful ♥

[@dasein8101]

soo beautiful 😻😻😻

[@terklove273]

Love